ROBERT KLITGAARD

“A true reflection of the author himself, Bold and Humble shares the inspiring convergence of well-meaning individuals and sincere efforts that yield fruits for communities. I believe that while good governance is about virtue, kindness, and compassion, it must also be about discipline and pragmatism built on the vision that transcends individual interests. That is where we must invoke collective actions. Such anecdotes and innovative means of collaborations prescribed in this book serve as a perfect reminder to dream bold because together, we can achieve so much!”

—LOTAY TSHERING, MD, Prime Minister of Bhutan

“I never leave an interaction with Bob Klitgaard without at least one actionable insight that is both elegantly simple and piercingly accurate. This book is no exception, being packed with wisdom told through rich narratives and compelling characters. If you are looking to build unlikely coalitions to address seemingly unsolvable policy problems, then you must read this book.”

—KARTHIK RAMANNA,

University of Oxford and Founding Director of Oxford’s Case Centre on Public Leadership

“This engaging and informative book is both highly accessible to a wide range of readers and extremely useful for citizens and public servants who want to help solve problems and leave the world a better place.”

—JENNIFER WIDNER,

Princeton University and Director of Innovations for Successful Societies

“I really loved this book. So fresh and thoughtful and enjoyable. It will be vital reading for all interested in or challenged by the demands of modern policy work.”

—MATT ANDREWS,

Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Director of Building State Capacity

"A statement I made a couple of years ago is as true today as ever. Robert Klitgaard is one of those rare professors who harnesses rigorous academic inquiry to big human questions. With each new work, Klitgaard further journeys far beyond the status of academic intellectual to the role of wise teacher from whom we can all learn.’’

—JIM COLLINS,

author of Good to Great, co-author of Built to Last

“An exquisite blend of intellectual rigor, nuanced understanding of contexts, and fine storytelling. Its applicability as a tool for public sector governance cannot be overemphasized. A treasure trove that inspires and educates far beyond the technical takeaways, substantive as they are. Read on and be enriched!”

—DEKI PEMA,

Chairperson, Anti-Corruption Commission of Bhutan

ROBERT KLITGAARD is a University Professor at Claremont Graduate University and a faculty member of the Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies. Formerly the Dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate School and a professor at Harvard and Yale, his work has instructed and inspired policymakers and scholars around the world. His twelve previous books include Tropical Gangsters, one of the New York Times’ Books of the Century.

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE FOR GOVERNANCE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES, a premier leadership institute and a think tank, was established by His Majesty the King in 2013. The first of its kind in the country, RIGSS is an autonomous, not-for-profit institute to promote excellence in leadership, governance, and strategic studies. It conducts executive training programs and carries out research on the accomplishments and future directions for governance. RIGSS gladly offers Bold and Humble as a global open-access publication.

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“A wonderful book. As always, Robert Klitgaard writes great prose embedded with analysis and engaging examples. A truly useful global perspective and a pleasurable read.”

—HARRY ANTHONY PATRINOS, World Bank

“Robert Klitgaard’s new book is likely to be required reading for anyone on the journey to social impact, wherever in the world it might be.”

—PAUL C. LIGHT, New York University

“In a global context of citizen disenchantment with institutions and leadership, Bold and Humble is hopeful proof of the kind of response that citizens demand.”

—GLORIA MANZOTTI, United Nations Development Programme

Professor Robert Klitgaard and His Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan.

Robert Klitgaard proves again that he has his finger on the pulse.

—GRETTA FENNER, Managing Director, Basel Institute on Governance “

“The author’s globe-spanning experiences and keen insights into public sector governance clearly shine through.”

—M RAMESH, National University of Singapore, and President, International Public Policy Association

“This book is a must for anyone looking for evidence-informed insights about what makes public collaborations tick.”

—PAUL ‘T HART, Utrecht University

“The in-depth case studies that Klitgaard offers us in a brilliant and lively style have in addition the rare merit of having as their heroes bold and humble public service leaders, this expression being usually an oxymoron, or an untraceable treasure.”

—JEAN-PIERRE OLIVIER DE SARDAN, School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences, Marseilles

Robert Klitgaard is a great storyteller. From his stories come valuable lessons that guide us in our endeavors.”

—ADAM GRAYCAR, University of Adelaide

“Refreshing! Bold and Humble valiantly enlightens us that it is possible to improve governance.”

—JAIRO ACUÑA-ALFARO, UNDP

“Bold and Humble is the very model for how to make insights from multiple fields accessible and actually useful to those trying to make innovation and cross-sectoral collaborations succeed on the ground.”

—SCOTT FRITZEN, Dean, Boren College of International Studies, University of Oklahoma, co-author of The Public Policy Primer: Managing the Policy Process

“Leaders around the world should read this book and follow the examples it lays out.”

—EDWARD F. FISCHER, Vanderbilt University

“Insightful and inspiring, reflecting Klitgaard’s own unwavering belief in people.”

—CARLOS SANTISO, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development “

"In the best writing tradition, the book shows rather than tells. An invaluable new resource, not only for teachers and students, but for all looking for hope and inspiration at a time when both seem in short supply.”

—BRIAN LEVY, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University

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The way the cases are presented almost makes you think that you were there yourself.”

—JACOB BRIX, Aalborg University Business School

“A beautiful job! Bold and Humble should be read by anyone willing to think in new ways about how societies can succeed.”

—RICHARD ZECKHAUSER, Harvard University, co-author of Collaborative Governance

Robert Klitgaard

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